Moseley have beaten off competition from their National One rivals to re-sign Neil Mason, the best back-row forward in the league last season and the jewel in the club's crown.

Mason even turned down the offer of full-time rugby to remain at Billesley Common for next term - Moseley's first at level two for three years - and spoke of his determination to 'see the job through' after playing a leading role in their recent promotion campaign.

With the club poised to make a blanket announcement on contract renewals later today, it is thought they will maintain the policy of continuity that saw them re-sign virtually their entire squad at the end of 2004-5, Mason's retention is a coup for head coach Ian Smith.

The former Worcester flanker was a unanimous choice as Moseley's player of the year after turning in a string of devastating performances in National Two that brought him offers from clubs - both local and national.

But he chose to remain loyal to the team he represented as a colt, before he went to Sixways, and made what he describes as an 'easy decision'.

"It was not difficult," he said. "I had a few offers from teams in National One - one full-time - but I wanted to stay with the team to finish off the job, or at least do what we can."

He welcomed the decision to keep faith with the side that so convincingly won the only league title in the club's 134-year history.

"Everyone deserves a crack at National One after getting promoted. I am delighted that they have given us that chance because if you change the nucleus of the side by bringing in 15 or 20 new blokes that sets it back."

Smith was equally pleased to have kept his star player and claimed the 23-year-old would be even better next season, "He could make a bigger impact up there," he said.

"He has the confidence from playing at a higher level already but going into National One will bring out even more in his game because he will have to work harder and make more instinctive decisions."